CV Writing Guide for Health & Social Care Professionals
Writing a strong CV is one of the most important steps in securing a role in Ireland’s health and social care sector. Many qualified Health & Social Care Professionals struggle to secure interviews, not because of lack of experience or qualification but because their CV does not clearly outline that they have the experience and qualifications for the role.
This blog will talk you through how to write a CV tailored to HSCP roles in Ireland, helping you stand out to hiring managers.
What Irish Health & Social Care Employers Look for in a CV
A strong CV should be easy to read and clearly outline the following:
- Professional registration (or registration in progress)
- Relevant qualifications and accredited training
- Practical experience in healthcare or social care settings
- Knowledge of HIQA standards, safeguarding, and Irish legislation
- Strong communication, empathy and teamwork skills
CV Layout: What to Include
A well-structured CV is essential when applying for jobs. Always use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional layout.
Personal summary
Your personal summary should be at the top of your CV. It should be 3-4 short lines that summarise your skills and experience. Always tailor this section to the specific role you are applying for.
Qualifications & Registration
This section should include:
- Highest qualification first
- Institution name
- Year completed
- Professional registration details
Work Experience
If you are a recent graduate, include any relevant placement experience as this can significantly strengthen your CV and help you stand out from candidates who might not have completed placements in the same speciality.
For each role you should include:
- Job title
- Employer name and location
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities and achievements
Skills Section
When considering what to write for skills on your CV focus on role specific, sector relevant, transferable skills that demonstrate your suitability for the role such as:
- Person-centred care
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
- Care planning and documentation
- Communication skills
- Communication and de-escalation skills
- Knowledge of HIQA standards
Training & Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Training and continuous professional development is highly valued in the healthcare sector. Potential employers want to see that you are consistently improving and developing your skills.
Your CV should include relevant, up-to-date information on training such as:
- Manual Handling
- Safeguarding (Children & Vulnerable Adults)
- First Aid and CPR
- Medication Management
- CPI, MAPA, or PMAV training
Always remember to include the year completed or note that you are currently completing the training.
Personal Details
Your CV should not include any personal information such as your home address, date of birth or a photograph. You only need to include your full name and contact details so that the employer can contact you if they feel you are a suitable candidate for the role.
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
You should always proofread your CV before submitting. Simple mistakes that are easily avoided can weaken your CV and might cost you the opportunity to be shortlisted.
Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Using a generic CV for every role
- Not mentioning your professional registration
- Including irrelevant personal information
- Poor formatting or long paragraphs
- Spelling or grammar errors
Final Tips
Before submitting your next job application you should review your CV against the points above. A good CV can greatly increase your chances of being shortlisted for interviews. For more information on a career in Health & Social Care see our blog.
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